10. You're humming along to the beat of the cursor. Entire songs are being hummed; perhaps even entire operas. No writing, just humming.
9. Your fingers have been frozen over the keyboard for so long they're starting to cramp.
8. In an attempt to jump start your brain, you've asked (out loud is best) "What happens next?" Your brain has replied, "I'll have to get back to you on that one."
7. You glance at your notes for the next scene and realize you already wrote that scene 10 pages ago. Oh...and 50 pages before that, too.
6. That cold cup of coffee sitting on your desk? It was steaming hot when you put it down. Guess what, Sherlock? Time has passed.
5. You are sure, in your heart of hearts, that you will never write again. It's done.
4. You decide to pop about the blogosphere for inspiration. Everyone is chirping on about how they just finished their newest project, or how well their latest book is selling, or how they've got so many ideas they're having to make lists to keep them straight. Reading these posts does not lighten your mood. (see #5)
3. You decide a change of scene will help; a brisk walk in fresh air will revitalize your imagination. You go outside. You slip on your walkway and land in a puddle. Now, not only are you not writing, you're also cold and wet. Score.
2. A warm bath will solve your problems. Warm baths cure all ills. Guess what? Your hot water tank isn't working. And...there are no towels.
1. Your blog post is a list just like this.
I suffer from #5 at least once a month - I can't write and everyone hates my stuff and there's a better chance of hell freezing over than my getting published - then I have a good cry, give myself a slap and carry on.
ReplyDeleteElspeth - Oh, do I know exactly what you mean. I have days like that, too. Especially the coffee thing - ugh! But if it's any consolation, your lists remind me that it's not just me. That's a relief....
ReplyDeleteMisa; Being a writer is such fun, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMargot; I've trained myself to drink it cold. Wasting coffee is a crime.
ReplyDeleteYou've spilled the last cup of coffee on the first sip, frying your keyboard. Unless you're typing gibberish. And since the laptop isn't a bone fide 'work station' you figure you can find something else to do.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
Terry; Spilling the last cup of coffee on the first sip? This is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, been there. Not today though. Today is one of those writing days that keeps me sucked in, believing, hearing tunes from old Carpenter's songs in my brain pan.
ReplyDeleteJan; Good for you. Enjoy. Seriously, enjoy. I'm not bitter. Not at all. But seriously, how wonderful; those type of days are magic.
ReplyDeleteSeems like every time I get around the middle part of a book I start wondering why I ever thought I could write in the first place. I'm great at the beginning and end -- my fingers fly and it all feels like it's going well...but that middle part just about kills me.
ReplyDeleteStephanie; I agree with you; the middle is the hardest part for me as well!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Been there. Done that. Especially #7 and #8. More than once.
ReplyDeleteI think I have cold cup of coffee syndrome! :) Nice list!
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Also,falling asleep at the keyboard is something I tend to do, so the screen looks like this : "wyzsfoooooooooooooo...."
ReplyDelete